The recent tram derailment on line 9 in Milan has highlighted a history of similar occurrences across Italy, stretching back several decades. Notably, the first recorded incident took place in September 1984 when a tram derailed in Opicina, Trieste, shortly after undergoing modernization work. This sets a concerning precedent as local public transport systems have faced various challenges over the years, often attributed to weather-related issues or accidents involving other vehicles.

In December 1996, two tram derailments occurred in Turin due to icy conditions, which fortunately did not result in injuries. However, ten years later, heavy snowfall in Milan led to another tram derailing, resulting in minor injuries when the vehicle collided with a truck. Additionally, in May 2008, a tram in the Precotto neighborhood was derailed after being hit by a car. Each of these incidents underscores the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by public transportation, particularly in adverse weather conditions or as a result of unforeseen accidents.

Despite the frequency of these derailments over the years, it is notable that none have resulted in fatalities, indicating a relative success in emergency management and public safety protocols within the Italian public transport system. However, the patterns suggest a need for continual improvements and investments in infrastructure and safety measures to prevent future incidents and maintain the safety record of public transport in Italy.